ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea
Image by Virginia Sanderson
Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is a striking well known therapeutic perennial plant that is often used in herbal teas and remedies. As well as medicinal qualities, it is also very attractive to bees, birds and butterflies. Echinacea is a Native American medicinal plant, best known as “cure-all” herb, boosting immune system and helps fight body infections.
PLANT
Using 2-3 year old roots plant in autumn or if using seeds sow during late winter.
HARVEST
Harvest the roots of a 2-3 year old plant in autumn. Harvest coneflowers beginning from the second year of growth. Pick leaves anytime during the flowering cycle or when flower buds begins to open. Strip the leaves from the stem after harvest and lay them flat to dry. Germination time is 10-20 days. Flowers in spring and summer.
EAT
Leaves and flowers are edible. Common uses are medicinal tinctures and tea.
PRESERVE
To dry the flowers and leaves, either hang the whole plant or remove the flowers and leaves and spread out to dry in a cool, dark place.
RECIPES
Make your own echinacea tea here.